The make-up bag

A peek inside my makeup bag.

Bag: Lancome free gift with purchase, early 90s (from my mom)
Hair ties, clips and pins
Comb
Floss (x2)
Mary Kay satin hands lotion
Tide stain pen
Bobbi Brown pot rouge in Velvet Plum(for lips and cheeks)
Brilliance New York lipstick in Blaze
Revlon lipgloss in Firecracker
Flirt! Chickstick in Miss Temptress (nude-ish on me)
NYX Color lip balm in Sukriya (the best tinted chapstick I've found yet)
Tarte natural lip stain pencil in Moody
Tarte natural lip stain pencil in Joy
Covergirl Natureluxe gloss balm in Coral 230

As you can tell, I'm a lips and cheeks kind of gal.

What's in your make-up bag?

How To: Barely there manicure

Sometimes less is more, and I think that is especially true for nails. Clean, well-kept nails are appropriate for any situation, and definitely for the office. Some women have a standing nail appointment to keep their pointers on point, but I prefer a DIY approach.

Everyone has their own nail preferences of shape, length and color. As long as your nails are clean and tidy, any length can be appropriate for the office (as long as they don't get in the way...you should be able to type just fine).

Tools

• Large nail cutter [similar]
• Buffing block (switch out every other month) [available]
• Nail polish remover
• Orange stick (disposable) [available in stores]
• Q-tip
• Nail file (I prefer metal because I can wash and re-use) [available]
• Cuticle cream [available | similar with remover]
• Base coat/nail hardener [available]

 
Before
My nails are uneven and the cuticles are a little scraggly. I have a bad habit of picking at my cuticles, so they're often rough and messy. They're also longer than I prefer (I usually cut the whites off completely).

Cut. I like to use a large nail cutter. I think they're designed for toenails, but they're much flatter in curve than the typical nail cutter, so I use them to get a flatter shape on top. Still, there are usually some weird angles sticking out here and there, which leads to the next step.

File. This is where the shaping really comes in. File in a sweeping motion from one consistent direction; don't saw at your nail! I usually do a few up-strokes along each side, too. Do this over the same paper/basket you cut your nails over, to catch the nail dust. It's ok if the edge is a little rough...we'll take care of that in the next step.

Buff. I like this buffing block (and its sister, the buffing stick) because it's super easy—just follow the numbers! Side 1 cleans up your filing job and Sides 2-4 are for your nail bed. If you buff your nails often, go easy on Side 2: Smooth Nail, because you don't want to wear through your nail bed. Since I do this on an almost-weekly basis, I only swipe 2-3 times per nail, and in the same direction all times (sort of like filing).

Condition. Rub the cuticle cream into your cuticles on all sides. If you have not touched your cuticles in a while, start with cuticle remover (follow directions on package; this stuff can be potent) and follow up with a cream for moisture.

Push back. Using the flat end of the orange stick, push your cuticles back gently. I do not recommend trying to clip or trim your cuticles; it can lead to infection (and that is not healthy). After the cuticle is pushed back, I rub any excess cuticle cream in again for good measure.

Clean the nail. If you plan to leave your nails bare, you can skip this step. But if you want to polish them next, use nail polish remover and a Q-tip to clean the cuticle cream off your nail bed (try not to get too much on your cuticles...they're still moisturizing!). Any residue on the nail (even hand soap) can weaken the bond to your polish, which results in peeling.

From here, the world is your oyster. I stuck with basic nail hardener today. Much better than before, wouldn't you say? And not bad for just a few minutes of work. Because I keep my nails short, I cut them once a week (usually Sunday afternoons while watching whatever sports game is on), but your home manicure will last longer if you're not always picking at your nails like I am. In between manicures, if I'm just relaxing and reading a book or watching some TV, I'll rub in some cuticle cream (right on over any polish) to keep things smooth.

Are you a home manicure girl or do you prefer the full service treatment? Share your nail tips and tools below!

Is makeup mandatory in the office?

As you've seen, the change from office to work-at-home has inspired a new level of casualness in my wardrobe. But that's not all...I've also drastically changed my makeup routine from what it was just a few months ago. Which got me to thinking...is makeup mandatory in the workplace?

It certainly felt like it for me. Even though I didn't start wearing makeup regularly until college (my mom wasn't so keen on it when I lived in her house as a teen), it's become a near-daily part of my life. In almost four years at my last job, I think I went to work without mascara once. I wore my ratty old glasses once, for half of a day after coming back from the optometrist (turns out I had the exact same Costco glasses as our web guy at the time...yippee).

Is makeup mandatory in the workplace?
No, as long as you still keep a professional appearance. Here's how I gauge it: I've never noticed when any of my coworkers or business contacts were not wearing makeup. I can definitely remember noticing makeup on women in the workplace (good or bad), but lack of makeup? Doesn't register. It's certainly possible that every one of my female coworkers wore makeup, but I wouldn't know the difference. And to be honest, it doesn't really matter to me. Now, if you send me an email with 20 million exclamation marks or mix up insure/ensure or aid/aide, that I'll remember. But coming to work without makeup? Whatever.

Why I wear makeup
To me, makeup is part of getting ready and putting my best face forward (literally). I don't think there's anything wrong with my un-made-up face, and I don't have any qualms about going about my day without makeup on, but it just adds a slight spring to my step when I have it on. And regardless of whether it actually affected my work, I felt that I performed better when I thought I looked better.

Now that I'm not an office everyday, I still find that I put on makeup almost everyday. But not nearly as much makeup and not nearly as consistently. It just seems to put me in the right mood and helps me smile a little wider when I know I have pretty gloss on. But I've always been a makeup girl. I like this stuff. I love that Ulta now organizes its bargain brands by item (lips, eyes, face) rather than by brand. I could spend hours there.

Do you think makeup is mandatory in the office? How do your in-office/out-of-office makeup routines differ?

Interview Attire – The dos and don’ts [Guest Post]

Angeline is off roadtripping across the country and getting acclimated to a new way of life. She was sweet enough to ask me to step in with a blog post. I’m thrilled to be guest posting for her today.

As a journalist who has been full time freelance for years now, I don’t have to interview for jobs in the traditional sense. And since I’ve begun leaning towards fashion and lifestyle writing even less of those occasions require the formal interview attire. Still, I’ve got a thing or two to say about what you should and shouldn’t wear to a job interview. You see, my father has worked in human resources for more than 30 years and so over the years I’ve picked up a few of his tips, pearls of wisdom, and pet peeves. And then there was that one summer I worked as his secretary and got to pre-screen candidates – boy, was that eye-opening.

So here’s the 411:

• Polish your shoes! My dad always looks first at the interviewee’s shoes and says you can learn a lot about the person based on how they care for those little things. For instance, if you are applying for a job that requires a detail-oriented professional, you negate what your resume says with scuffed old shoes.
• Iron your shirt. Even if you think your suit jacket is never coming off, iron your shirt. The starched look sends the right message and it also mentally pumps you up to put your best foot forward.
• Own at least one complete suit. I’m talking pants or skirt, jacket, nice shirt, shoes, (tie if you are a guy, discreet jewelry if you are a girl). It’s worth the investment.
• Pre-plan your attire. I can’t tell you the number of women who used to come into the retail store I worked at asking for a perfectly-fit suit for the following morning. So many of them left with something that wasn’t quite perfect because they were desperate.
• Clothes should not be distracting. You don’t want the interviewer to spend more time focused on some funky tie design or shirt pattern than on your face and the words you are saying.
• Ladies, avoid cleavage and lots of leg. You need to look like someone the company can trust and have confidence in. A demure skirt says business. A mini skirt says party.
• Check your appearance before stepping into the building. The wind, transportation and nerves can do a number on the look you sported when you walked out the door that morning. Take a second to reassess and fix anything out of place.
• Remove extra bling. Ears full of earrings, a tongue piercing, etc. all distract from presenting yourself as the prime candidate for hire. Think basics and when in doubt, use Coco Chanel’s advice – when your are dressed and ready to walk out the door look in the mirror and remove one piece of jewelry.
• Ladies, either have your fingers well manicured or devoid of nail polish. No chipping or multi-colored nail polish.
• Have a nice purse/briefcase. You need to carry your resume and other pertinent information with you. Make sure that bag is large enough to fit the pages without stuffing them in – nothing is worse than bent pages. Also make sure it is a toned down color and design. Bringing a bright yellow alligator skin bag is not ideal in the corporate world.
• Hide tattoos. As much as I love tattoos, they still often carry a bad connotation. You’d hate one little spot of funky ink to cost you the job.

If you are interviewing with a company known for being super casual, try to at least step it up slightly. Even if everyone in the office is in jeans and a t-shirt, you want to stand out as serious about this position by the way you dress.

Obviously, some of these things vary based on your profession, the job you are interviewing for, your personality, etc…

Final thought… I recently read that many people are opting to wear glasses to the interview, because people who wear them are usually seen as smarter. So maybe you want to leave the contacts at home and bust out your glasses. Or buy a pair of fake ones to give you that one little extra boost. 

Katy shares great outfits and advice over at Modly Chic. She's also the blogger behind the highly successful Fashion Beauty Friend Friday events, so check her out!

How to survive a manic morning [Guest Post]

While Angeline is moving cross country, she asked several bloggers to put together a guest post.  I was honored and wanted to provide some tips about getting ready faster because every Monday I need to be at work at 5 a.m.  My department at the university sends a live financial broadcast to a local television station on the 6 a.m. news.  While I find the lack of sleep on Sunday nights a definite challenge, it's much harder to figure out what to wear.  Add to that, it's my only early day all week (normally I am here at 8:30 a.m.), and I need to be dressed for physical labor.

I started out just wearing jeans with t-shirts and sneakers.  Then, blogging and my desire to not look so much like one of the college students here on campus, pushed me to try something a little different.  Now, when I get up I usually have something comfortable, practical and easy for a 15 minute total routine.  That cuts my regular morning routine down by about 30-45 minutes.  Here's a list of what works for me:

1. Shower the night before.  It's an understatement to say it's glorious to wake up clean, to not have to remember whether or not I already shampooed my hair, and to not wake up my husband by turning on the shower. 
2. Go simple with your hair.  Sure having perfectly curled or straight hair is nice, but can you achieve that without making lots of noise or burning yourself with the curler?  I either air dry or blow dry and flat iron my hair Sunday night, so I can wear it down or go with a ponytail or bun Monday morning.
3. Lay out your clothes the night before.  Scouring your closet for inspiration in the dark on four hours of sleep sucks.  I put my clothes, jewelry, shoes, perfume, hair accessories and undergarments in my guest bedroom so I can get up, dress and leave. 
4. Give yourself options or Try it on.  I don't want to wake up and realize that my blouse doesn't tuck into my pants.  If I am in doubt about a combination, I often include an alternative blouse or pair of shoes I know will work.  Or, I try it on the night before.
5. Pick accessories that are simple and practical.  I need to be able to move equipment and run around between two buildings.  While you may not have such physical demands, flats or low heels are easy when you are running on less than normal sleep.  (No one wants to twist an ankle in sky high heels.)  Simple jewelry feels put together and doesn't annoy you at every turn. 
6. Choose simple and professional clothing.   Professional silhouettes with subtle patterns or details are a blessing for the bleary-eyed.  Stick with combinations that fit well and don't require lots of readjustments, like dress slacks, a printer blouse and blazer or a dress with a cardigan (my personal favorite because it requires only two pieces of clothing).  They are called closet workhorses for a reason, so reach out and grab them.
7. Add something that makes you feel pretty.  It's early and that sucks, but you don't have to feel like a complete automaton.  Add your favorite perfume to that pile of stuff for the morning.  Grab a punchy yellow belt to zing up your trousers and button up.  Wear bright blue flats or your favorite striped cardigan. 
8. Go with basic makeup or none at all.  I don't usually wear makeup, but if I do need to put some on, I wear basics like concealer, mascara, and lipstick.  You know what the simplest version of your routine is, so feel free to skip the extra eye shadow or blush.  Consider wearing no makeup if you're comfortable with it.

The key to streamlining your routine is to remove as much annoyance as possible.  I recommend trying to pare down to the smallest amount of effort you need to exert on early mornings.  Try these tips and keep in mind that everyone has different levels of morning perkiness.  Mine is zero by the way, possibly -5 when it's Monday.

Sarah is a video producer and online classroom system manager at a university in the South. She blogs about fashion, outfits, and healthy living at Destrehan's Daughter. Check her out!

In the moment

Things I'm loving right now...

Old Navy Diva skinny jeans

Forever 21 canvas bow wedges

The Painted Nail Beware of You Green organic nail polish

(I haven't tried this brand, but I love this color!)

Abas iPad folio case

What are you loving right now?

About face | My daily routine

Looking good isn't only about what you're wearing, but it's also about how you look. I've written about hair briefly before, but today we're talking make-up and skin care, ladies. There's a reason many magazines cover both fashion and beauty--they work together to create your whole look!

While I mainly write about clothing here, I do take care of my face as well, to complete the look. So I'm going to start adding some beauty content to my blog as well. To kick things off, here is a quick look at my daily routine, from morning to night. I went through a pricey Clinique/MAC/Sephora phase back when I was young and had few financial responsibilities, but more recently I have found great staples from my local drugstore, Target, and Ulta that produce the same (or better) results.

Since I wash my face pretty thoroughly at night, I alternate between just rinsing with water and using cleanser in the morning. When I do use cleanser, I alternate between Queene Helene Oatmeal 'n' Honey scrub (1) and Clean & Clear Morning Burst Shine Control Facial Cleanser (2). (Are you still following? That breaks down to about two scrubs and two morning bursts per week.) The scrub is extremely fine and gentle on the skin, while the other cleanser just has the moisture beads that pop. Afterward, I always use Olay Complete moisturizer for combination/oily skin (3) with SPF...always SPF. Time: 2-3 minutes.

My make-up routine will probably seem a bit complicated to some, but it's actually super easy. I start with Maybelline Dream Liquid Mousse foundation (1) which is nice and light, and then use L'oreal True Match concealer (2) to cover up any red spots. For blush I'm currently using Maybelline's Dream Mousse blush (6), although I also keep this NYC powder blush on hand for days when I want a bit more color. I put a very very very light dusting of L'oreal True Match powder (5) on top to set the makeup without ruining the matte dewy finish. A swipe of Sonia Kashuk Brow Gel (3) keeps my eyebrows in shape, and I swear by Maybelline Volume Express Classic waterproof mascara in very black (4). This stuff does not budge and makes my lashes look amazing (or at least I think so). On weekends this routine is basically chopped in half. Time (weekdays): 5 minutes.

After I've put my face on, I use one (or maybe two) of these eye products for some color or definition. Sugar's Day Job eyeshadow palette (1) is appropriately named--I've worn all these colors to work before (although for the green and blue it's usually very lightly). When I'm not feeling a full lid of shadow, I swipe my NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil (6) across the lids for a light bronzy sheen. Other than that, I usually stick to a small arsenal of eyeliners: Sephora retractable waterproof eyeliner in gray (2), Cover Girl Perfect Blend Eyeliner in taupe (3), Jordana brown eyeliner (4), and Cover Girl Perfect Point Plus Eyeliner in purple (5). Sometimes I don't use any of these. Time: 2-3 minutes.

My evening routine is as complicated as my morning routine is simple. I use Almay moisturizing eye makeup remover (1) to get the waterproof mascara off, and then wash everything else off with Clean & Clear Foaming Facial Cleanser (5). I pat some Boots No. 7 Sensitive Hydrating Eye Cream (3) around my eyes and use Clean & Clear Advantage Acne Spot Treatment (4) on my t-zone. I don't often look pimply, but my pores clog easily and this gentle salicylic acid formula is as much preventative as it is treatment, so I use it every night. I finish with a pretty liberal slathering of Olay Active Hydrating Cream (2). I love moisturizer. Time: 7-10 minutes.

Of course, no beauty routine is complete without the right tools. I'll confess--I'm a fingers gal when it comes to makeup application. But I wash my hands much more often than I wash my brushes, so there. Some tools I do swear by, though, are my Ecotools Kabuki powder puff (1), Tweezerman Slant Tweezer (2) for my DIY brows, Sephora lip brush (3) which I use for eyeshadow, and Revlon eyelash curler (4), a must when you have straight lashes like mine.

I didn't include any lip products above, because that part of my routine is less, well, routine. I usually don't put anything on in the morning because I know it'll wipe off by the time I eat breakfast and have my morning coffee. That's not to say I don't have the collection of lip products and use them, but that's another topic for another day.

What are your beauty standbys and how long is your routine? What other beauty topics would you like to read about?

A shawl to stay warm

The Rundown:
6 + 7 + 15 + 29 
Forever 21 necklace - 2010 - $5 (similar)
DIY cowl - 2009 (similar)
C.O. Bigelow Mentha Lip Tint #1138

I woke up this morning to the soothing pitter patter of raindrops on our deck. So soothing that it nearly soothed me back to sleep. Luckily I tore myself away from my warm bed and got myself to work. I'm getting a little sick of my combinations, so I threw on this cowl/shawl to mix it up a bit.  I was inspired by a cowl I saw on etsy last year so I made one. I like it a lot. Sometimes I toss around the idea of starting an etsy store, but there are already a ton of really talented vendors on etsy and the last thing I need right now is another project. But if you'd like I can do a basic tutorial on it!  I also recently crocheted a similar (but smaller) neckwarmer for my best friend's birthday after I saw she'd linked a few etsy ones on her gift list.

Lip color experiment: lip gloss.  This one does not show as much as I thought it would. The tint, when it comes out, is a bright red. 

After work I headed over to Created in California, a great event organized by Juniper James to showcase local Sacramento designers.  My faves were Marty May and Morris & Terry.  Had a great time with my other blogger gals, too!

What worked:
The cowl! I've never actually worn it all day as a shawl before, but I really liked it. It really made the outfit. So comfy. (can you tell that's my buzz word this week?)

What didnt:
I'd rather not have worn jeans on a Wednesday, but it was a good day for that.

What do you revert to on days you really really want to be comfortable but still have to get it together for work?

I'm no slouch

The Rundown:
13 + 20 + 24 + 30
Studded belt - 2010 - swapped (similar)
Target(?) earrings - ?? - cheap (similar)
American Eagle bow ring - 2010 - $15 (similar)
Nancy Rosetta circle ring - 2010 - birthday gift (similar)
Forever 21 bracelet - 2010 - $5 (similar)
Ulta Lip Tint in Wine

This has got to be one of the most comfortable work outfits I've ever put together.  Long sweatery dress/shirt and trousers. I felt like I should be walking around the market in Carrie and friends' Abu Dhabi. OK, so that's a bit overboard, but I did really like this outfit, and it was perfect for a low-key day in the office checking things off my to-do list.

How is it that all but one of the lipcolors I've worn so far is discontinued, and that one that is still made isn't available online? Either I'm really behind on the times or I'm a lipstick killer.  Almost works in exact reverse: I tried Cover Girl Outlast lipstain a while back and it didn't work well for me, and now it's a crazy bestseller. As a favor to my readers, let me know what your favorite lipcolor is and I'll try to stay away.

Here is what it looks like. Obviously goes on a lot sheerer than it looks in the tube.

What worked:
Nixing the proportions rule (volume + fit = balance).  In this case, nearly every item had a looseness to it--the cardigan was left open and the dress and trouser legs fell nicely.  The belt was the tie that binds, though. Without it this outfit would have been a flop.  Also on the plus side--it was nice enough today to wear open-toed shoes! Got to get them in before the rain comes back tomorrow. Northern California winters are so baffling.

What didn't:
These pics. My loving baby brother, who shoots weddings and events in his spare time, sent me a nice list of suggestions to improve my photos. I've been trying to pick his brain since I got my camera but it's hard since we live 2,000 miles apart. Thing is, even reading his suggestions, I have no idea how to do any of those things! And then after I learn I have to teach K. This whole photo thing is definitely a work in progress. (For the record, today's pics were taken alone with a timer. And music, of course.)

Do you ever buck the proportions rule? What is your favorite way to do so?

Simplicity rules

The Rundown:
5 + 12 + 26
Premier Designs faux pearls - 2010 - free with purchase (similar)
Urban Outfitters two-finger ring - 2010 - gift (available)
Dark tights - no idea - no idea
Sephora jumbo lip pencil in color 411 (discontinued color, but looks similar to Fancy Red)

For the first week or so of this challenge, I was kicking myself for including my nude shoes because winter was coming and my stockingless legs were about to go into hiding. And then I saw fellow remixer A Fashionista Moment rock a dark tights + nude heels look and I knew I had to try it.  I think the key to this look is the black skirt, which elongates the legs upwards to combat the nude shoe cutting off your leg line.  My verdict - I love this.  I'd like to try this with a patterned or textured tight next time.

Lip color experiment day four -- this is the same red pencil I used on day one, but without the pink on top. It's more an orange-toned red, and paired with a bunch of neutrals works well. I really liked this because a) it was easy to apply and b) it stayed on a long time, almost like a stain. I used plain cherry chapstick as a base and as moisturizer.

What worked: 
The simplicity does it. I mean, really, there are few outfits easier to put together than this one.

What didn't:
I forgot to put on earrings.  A basic pearl stud would have been nice.

Have you tried the dark tights + light shoe combo? How do you work it?

Behind, and need to unwind

The Rundown:
7 + 9 + 15 + 28
Justice for Girls scarf - 2010 - swapped (similar)
Nancy Rosetta circle ring - 2010 - birthday gift (similar)
Dangly earrings (Claire's?) - long ago - cheap (similar)
Gray nails: self-mixed Wet n' Wild black and white
Flirt! Chickstick in Miss Temptress

I feel so totally behind, and this twice-a-day posting schedule is a little manic. Pardon any odd scheduling as I figure something out for the next two weeks until I finish this challenge and get back to my normal blogging schedule. I know I talked about this on Friday, but I didn't come up with any new ideas this weekend so it's still on my mind.

Lip color experiment day three--this is my real go-to neutral (even though the last color looked neutral on camera).  I'm a fan of Flirt! cosmetics (available at Kohl's) because it's a cheaper version of MAC. Same colors, similar packaging--same company. No joke. They're both Estee Lauder brands. As are Clinique and its Kohl's twin, American Beauty.  When they first came out, my roommate at the time worked at the Clinique counter at a local Macy's, and we went to check it out. Even the color palettes were the same--she was pointing at each and telling us the Clinique name for the same combo. Not sure if the products are as aligned now as they were before (I've since converted to drugstore makeup), but they are all still Estee Lauder.

What worked:
I loved the pink and green and the mix of stripes and houndstooth. A great fun Casual Friday outfit. Dangly earrings are also out of my normal comfort zone, but I like them with my new short ponytail and with a scarf (even though the earrings got in the way a lot).

What didn't:
Nothing in particular, except these booties make my toes numb after a while. I added the ball-of-foot pads and they don't seem to be helping much. I guess it's time to save these for no-standing situations or consider passing them along to another owner.

How many posts per week do you prefer to see on blogs? How many is too many?

Pucker up!

The Rundown:
1 + 6 + 16
Nina pumps (via Ross) - 2009 - $16 (replacing item 8) (similar here and here)
Kenneth Cole Reaction coat - 2007 - Christmas gift (similar)
Forever 21 chain bracelet - 2010 - $5 (similar)
Urban Outfitters double-finger ring - 2010 - birthday gift (available)
Target silver stud earrings - 2010 - $5 (set of two earrings) (similar)
Gray scarf (used as neck knot) - 2010 - swapped (similar)
Red lips: Sephora lips pencil No. 411 with L'oreal Color Juice Stick in Cherry Freeze
Gray nails: self-mixed Wet n' Wild black and white

Today's get-up was more about the accessories and hair/make-up than the outfit itself (which was kind of boring, but warm--I wore tights under my jeans, too). Two things, one obvious, one not-so-much.

1. I curled my hair. But it was such a mess I had to pull it back. Will wait a few more weeks until I try it again.
2. I wore bright lipstick! With today's blah outfit, I needed something to light up my face. Pulled some stuff from my lip product drawer (yes, I have one, but it's pretty small), and layered some colors on.  I like it! I've always been self-conscious about my lips, so usually stick to clear gloss or chapstick.  My goal is to try a different lipcolor each day until I've tried everything in my drawer (should take about a week).

What worked:
The shoes! Love these shoes. And the coat. (Cold-weather outerwear doesn't count in the 30, remember?) And the lips.


What didn't:
The baggy shirt under a thin-knit sweater. It did keep me warm, though!

Are you a lip color gal or do you keep it pretty neutral?

Make Believe Monday | Winter nails

Ok, so this is sort of a cheat Make Believe Monday post. No, I am not running out of things I want (does that ever happen)? I already have nice nail polish colors, which I sometimes actually wear. But here are some new colors I've had my eyes on this winter. They range from subtle darks to bright candy colors.  

Some tips on wearing painted nails in the office:

• Nail length.  Keep it on the shorter, tidier side. Find a shape that works with your nail's natural growth.  A mainly straight, subtly rounded cut works well for most hands.
• Manicure maintenance. No one likes a chipped manicure.  Keep yours fresh by applying a light top coat every other day. I like Sally Hansen's Super Shine Shiny Top Coat.
• When in doubt, a nude or neutral color or a non-shimmery dark are your best bets, as opposed to bright colors or those with shimmer and sparkle.

Nail Polish at Beauty Habit

Check out Cubicle Chic's rundown of nail polish colors for the office for more ideas.

Do you ever wear colored polish to work? What are your favorites?

There's a spring in my step

...that even impending rain cannot stop!  For reals.  Today it was literally the springy color on my toes.  I could not bear to put on closed-toed shoes despite a weather forecast of showers all day long.

So I wore peep-toes.

And the rain never came.

Angeline: 1; rain: 0

 
Gray sweater: Gap - 2006 - $20?; Cowl-neck shell: Ann Taylor Loft - 2007 - ?; Pants: Old Navy - 2006 - $6 (clearance);
Shoes: Enzo Angiolini (from Nordstrom) - 2007 - $70 (sale)

Pardon the crazy hair.  It's starting to grow out a bit, and I think I'm going to let it, but any attempt at infusing some body into my flat hair usually amounts to flyaways.  I took these pics right after I got into the office (before everyone else showed up), so was still a little windblown from walking in from my car.

Click here for a quick peep at my springy toenails (I hid the pic for the toe-phobes, although I gotta admit my toes are pretty adorable).

Although this outfit is plain, I really like it and it's super comfy.  These pants are one of my favorite finds--Old Navy clearance for just $6!  The hem by the heel is starting to fray a bit, so I have some salvaging to do.  Other than that, the trouser fit and the heavy fabric (woven cotton on top and lined underneath) help it fall really nicely from my hip down to the floor.

Keeping it short and sweet for Monday.  Hope you all had a great weekend!